Death review nears end

Speaking of investigations, state officials are at long last wrapping up their review of the actions of Dane County social workers that led to the death of a child.

It's been more than seven months since the state Department of Children and Families launched an investigation into why Dane County granted guardianship of Deshaunsay Sykes-Crowder to her aunt, Lynda Sykes, in 2005. Sykes had a long record of criminal violence, including several stabbings and an assault for which she served time in prison.

Who would have guessed this person might not be a fit guardian? Not Dane County.

Last July, Sykes allegedly beat and suffocated the six-year-old girl to death after moving with her to Ohio, where she is now facing the death penalty.

Erika Monroe-Kane, a spokeswoman for the Department of Children and Families, says the department is seeking additional input from Dane County and hopes to finalize its report by the end of the month.